Shakhrai: Beer Lover?

Russia's beer lovers have found new friends to press their cause in parliament.

A press release from the Party of Beer Lovers, or PLP -- which wants people to give up vodka for beer -- said Wednesday it met Nationalities Minister Sergei Shakhrai, leader of the tiny PRES faction in parliament.

"Shakhrai stated that he was ready to sign a cooperation accord with the PLP and to represent it in the State Duma," the press release said-- which PRES confirmed.